The World Council of Churches and Middle East Council of Churches, following the serious and catastrophic security escalation witnessed on 8 April in the city of Beirut, along with many other Lebanese regions, expressed deep concern and strong condemnation of what has occurred
“A series of simultaneous, violent, and unprecedented airstrikes targeted 100 sites, including residential neighborhoods and civilian locations across various Lebanese areas, resulting in hundreds of wounded and martyrs among innocent civilians,” reads a joint message from the two organizations. “We strongly denounce these attacks and emphasize the necessity of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, based on the fundamental obligation under international humanitarian law.”
The World Council of Churches and Middle East Council of Churches affirmed that the world today faces a serious test of its humanity. “One does not need to be Lebanese or Arab to feel anger at what is happening in Gaza, Lebanon, and other Middle Eastern countries,” reads the message. “It is enough to be human in a time when we need to humanize humanity itself.”
The World Council of Churches and Middle East Council of Churches called on the concerned parties to work towards the immediate cessation of all attacks and to respect international law and human rights.
“This must be accompanied by ensuring the protection of civilians and allowing unhindered access to humanitarian aid, as people have become isolated from the basic necessities of life,” reads the message. “We also call upon the international community and all concerned parties to assume their responsibilities and prevent further deterioration that threatens the security and stability of Lebanon and the entire region.”